Convertible top --- yikes!
Convertible top --- yikes!
I have had problems with my 2005 Crossfire convertible top. All cylinders have been rebuilt by the guy in Oregon. All linkages, sensors and mechanical operation have been verified as working. We are now down to the control module that seems to be weirdly difficult to troubleshoot. I live south of Atlanta and my mechanic tells me that Chrysler has discontinued supporting the DRB-3 software for retracting codes for the top. The continuity tool for communicating to the module doesn't exist locally. The control switch does blink continuously but there is no audible "beep". Anyone out there have any suggestions?
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Age: 64
Posts: 13,456
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Re: Convertible top --- yikes!
If it blinks continuously it is telling you that either:
Manual operation is demo'd here - be SURE you have the hex key and the top tool, if you don't have the hex key you cant fully complete the cycle when putting the top UP.
- The cycle is not complete (that is, one of the sensors is indicating that you are not in the fully UP or fully DOWN configuration - try manually cycling the top from up to down and back once or twice)
- The top system is drastically unready to work (low fluid or defective top control module)
Manual operation is demo'd here - be SURE you have the hex key and the top tool, if you don't have the hex key you cant fully complete the cycle when putting the top UP.
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Age: 64
Posts: 13,456
Received 885 Likes
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689 Posts
Re: Convertible top --- yikes!
Well, it would have been a better post if I'd made it clear that you want the ignition on (at least, if not the engine idling) while putting the top up and down manually if the goal is to "reset" the control module. With the key off, the module is not fully powered up.
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Age: 64
Posts: 13,456
Received 885 Likes
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Re: Convertible top --- yikes!
Anyone know of a garage/repairman or (can't believe I'm saying this) dealership that understands the Crossfire convertible top. I've exercised all the "methods" listed below and have taken the car to three different shops locally. No success in trying to determine why the top will not go down. I can get it down manually (thanks for the video link) and raise it electrically/hydraulically. I want to sell the car but know that any future owner would want the top to operate correctly. I live south of Atlanta and would be willing to drive the car to whomever has the testing equipment and knowledge to no kidding chase the problem and solve the conundrum! Thanks for any words of advice and/or assistance.
Re: Convertible top --- yikes!
Blinking light says the control module is not happy with some precondition to starting the pump motor.
1. top raised/ divider switch combo.
2. trunk latched switch.
3. bow switch
4. tonneau switch
basically the below switches, if not them, then the control module / pump.
1. top raised/ divider switch combo.
2. trunk latched switch.
3. bow switch
4. tonneau switch
basically the below switches, if not them, then the control module / pump.
Re: Convertible top --- yikes!
I think this may be the source of your problem.
Because the switch is kept actuated most of the time (trunk closed) the actuating lever on the microswitch ultimately bends to the point it won't open the switch when closed, therefore signaling the power top controller that the trunk (deck) is open and the top won't go down.
There is a two wire connector (brown I think, just to the left of the yellow vacuum/pressure line that operates the latch lock. Disconnect the pulg, make sure the deck lid is closed (latched) and try to operate the top. If it works, you have found the problem.
I have tested at least 4 used trunk latches and they all had this problem.
An easy and inexpensive solution is to get a "mercury switch" and install it in such a way that when the deck lid is closed, the mercury switch is "open". I found a switch that was installed in a mounting block, I connected it as above, just used 3M tape to attach to the deck lid in the area just to the left of the trunk latch ---- problem solved.
Hope this helps ----- See attached wiring diagram 8W-66-3
Because the switch is kept actuated most of the time (trunk closed) the actuating lever on the microswitch ultimately bends to the point it won't open the switch when closed, therefore signaling the power top controller that the trunk (deck) is open and the top won't go down.
There is a two wire connector (brown I think, just to the left of the yellow vacuum/pressure line that operates the latch lock. Disconnect the pulg, make sure the deck lid is closed (latched) and try to operate the top. If it works, you have found the problem.
I have tested at least 4 used trunk latches and they all had this problem.
An easy and inexpensive solution is to get a "mercury switch" and install it in such a way that when the deck lid is closed, the mercury switch is "open". I found a switch that was installed in a mounting block, I connected it as above, just used 3M tape to attach to the deck lid in the area just to the left of the trunk latch ---- problem solved.
Hope this helps ----- See attached wiring diagram 8W-66-3
Re: Convertible top --- yikes!
Hey thanks for the in-depth responses. Thanks too for taking the time. I am going to check out all these possible repair solutions. If however I am still perplexed --- does anyone know of a Crossfire repair facility in the greater Atlanta area that would be able to work on this top problem? I have had the car in three different shops locally (south side of Atlanta) with no conclusive results. Thanks for the recommendations.